UK weather forecast – 16C spring sunshine returns as Brits dust off BBQs… but an Arctic ‘Beast from the East’ is coming

BBQs will be at the ready this weekend as warm spring sunshine returns – but only until a deep chill from a new ‘Beast from the East’ strikes.
Saturday and Sunday will see warm spells for most of the UK – with temperatures reaching a balmy 16C for some.
WX Charts Warmer air pushes into the UK today, with red colours showing an increase in temperatures across Britain this afternoon

Met Office Temperatures are expected to reach up to 14C in southern parts, but could even hit 16C, forecasters say
But this mild weather comes before icy winds from a Russian Arctic blast freezes Britain just as we gear up for the Easter holidays.
Those in the west, central England, Wales, the South West and Northern Ireland, can expect a dry day on Saturday with max temperatures of 16C.
Brighter spells and sunshine will continue in the west on Sunday, but the easterly airflow will bring low cloud and drizzle to eastern parts of the country.
Bonnie Diamond from the Met Office said: “We are looking at highs of around 9C to 12C across the country but London and the south east can expect 14C.
Be in control of your bills – and save an average of £219SWITCHCRAFT is a free service that finds you the right energy deal – and you could save an average of £219 a year.

Sign up, compare and switch with Switchcraft
You’ll automatically be switched at the end of your new plan when a cheaper deal comes up
Get £5 free cashback when you sign up

A fiver will be paid into your bank account within four months of completing the switch. prepayment meter customer customers will receive a £5 Amazon voucher. Open to those 18 and over. UK residents only. Click here for full T&Cs.

“Later today a band of showery rain is expected to push across northwards across the southwest of the UK and wales, so a wet end to the day for those parts.
“Then as we go through the weekend colder air pushing from the Arctic heading through Scandinavia is going to come across the UK, bringing rain and low cloud, hill fog and possibly some mist in eastern parts of the UK, especially eastern coastal areas.”
A Met Office summary read: “Early low cloud, hill fog and rain in the northeast will become more extensive over Scotland and northeast England.
“Drier, brighter and warmer elsewhere with the best of the sunshine in the southwest, although an isolated shower is possible.”
As we get into Wednesday we will get a northerly colder wind direction, seeing temperatures drop to single fingers for some placesBonnie DiamondMet Office forecaster
But forecasters warn that cold weather will return next week as an icy blast from Siberia smothers the country.
Ms McLaren added: “For next week though, the start of the week will be promising with temperatures of 13C-15C
“But then as we get into Wednesday we will get a northerly colder wind direction, seeing temperatures drop to single fingers for some places.”
Snow blanketed huge swathes of Britain this week, from Northumberland to Cornwall.
Even Londoners got caught in rare snow flurries.
And John Hammond, chief meteorologist for Weathertrending, has warned more snowfall is a possibility during the upcoming “Beast from the East”.
With the air still originating in Arctic Russia, picnic opportunities will be limited for the first week of the Easter HolidaysJohn HammondWeathertrending
The former BBC weatherman said: “The easterlies that never quite arrived this winter are belatedly set to sweep all before them in the week ahead.
“Now we’re in April, the ground is warmer and the sun is stronger, so this weather pattern will never carry the frigid menace that it would have in late winter.
“Yet with the air still originating in Arctic Russia, picnic opportunities will be limited for the first week of the Easter Holidays.”
EAST-WEST SPLIT
According to Mr Hammond, western parts of the UK will be best-placed to pick up the rays after early showers have cleared southwestwards on Monday.
With shelter from the gusty breeze, some Atlantic coves may feel quite pleasant at times through the week.
But central and eastern areas of the UK will be plagued by thicker cloud, occasional showers and a raw wind from across the North Sea.
He added: “For eastern coasts, I can’t describe the prospects as anything other than bleak.
“Some more persistent rain may spread across from the Low Countries by midweek.
“Expect further late frosts if, and when, winds fall light and skies clear.
“By the end of the week there are signs that the Atlantic may ‘re-awaken’, with milder southwesterly winds attempting to oust our raw easterlies.
ExclusiveSEX ATTACK QUIZ Six soldiers held after army girl, 17, was assaulted in serious sex attack MADDIE LIE DEAL Madeleine McCann’s mum Kate was offered outrageous deal by Portuguese cops VIGILANTE ATTACK Biker is rammed into a parked van after knocking wing-mirrors off cars TEACHER FROM HELL Woman who punched girl while screaming at her to clean vomit is arrested PAWS Big cat stalks village after 5-inch paw print is found, dog’s mauled & owner is chased GREEN EYED MONSTER Man, 23, reveals moment he found pet dog savaged by ‘big cat’
“So a slow recovery in temperatures may erratically begin through the weekend.”
Multiple Beasts from the East repeatedly dumped snow on Britain in February and March last year.
Although it looks unlikely to be as harsh this time around, we could be in for a re-run next week.
Met Office It will be a mixture of warm sunshine and light clouts in the south and west, while in the north and east it will be rainier with thicker cloud today
Ventusky Light winds will help temperatures stay mild today, with yellow colours in this weather map showing warmer temperatures
Alamy Live News The sun will be out for many of us on Saturday, like it was here at Newlyn, Cornwall, yesterday morning

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.